As fall swings into full force, we are starting to see quieter weather patterns evolve. Outside of Hurricane Irene early last week, the only significant rainfall totals seen in the U.S. were found in the Northeast with 2-4 inches common in and around the New England states. Most of the country also saw significantly cooler than normal temperatures except for parts of the West.

The East, South, and Midwest: Last week's weather brought no relief to the severe drought (D2) still seen in the heart of the Midwest. Parts of OH, IN, KY and TN are still experiencing major impacts from the summer's drought which has now lingered into fall. There are signs of these areas of drought now expanding unless a shift in the weather pattern is seen.

Western Georgia and areas in Alabama have also encountered various agricultural and hydrological impacts due to the persistence of severe drought (D2) in the region. Many areas of northern MS, AL and southern TN have only seen 25-35% of normal rainfall totals in the last 60 days. Most of TX continues to see drought (D1) or abnormally dry (D0) conditions.

Of concern now to farmers harvesting in the Midwest and Great Plains is the dryness seen since the beginning of September. For many parts of NE, IA, MO and IL very little rain has fallen. This is great for harvesting but bad for winter crops and for sub-surface recharge in the off-season. Many areas have seen 25% or less of normal rainfall during the last 60 days.

Outlook: Some much needed relief could fall over most of Texas in the next 5 days. Forecasts here call for widespread totals of 1-3 inches. After that, the prospects are slim for any useful precipitation across much of the Midwest, South and Southeast well into early November.

The West: Quiet conditions prevailed across much of the West during the past week. The severe drought area extending from SE Washington to E Oregon (D2) persists and is impacting many dryland producers. Short-term dryness and fire threats remain high in many parts of California, Nevada, Wyoming and Montana.

Outlook: Precipitation amounts in the West should increase in the next 5-10 days as more winter-like systems begin to roll in. Areas in northern CA, western OR and WA along with northern ID could see moderate precipitation totals. This wet pattern seems to hold up for N CA and E OR thru early November as well.

Non-contiguous U.S.: Conditions have improved somewhat in Hawaii although agricultural producers continue to see lingering impacts associated with long-term drought conditions. There are no significant dryness problems in Alaska, Guam, or Puerto Rico.

Outlook: In Hawaii, gradual improvement is expected during the remainder of the year as seasonal rains increase.